Buyers baffled as builders allotting ‘closed parking’ after payment for open parking in many new housing projects.

By Accommodation Times Bureau

Pune:Buyers in Pune are getting baffled by the builders, by allotting ‘closed parking’ after the payment for open parking in many of the new housing projects.

Buyers are paying lakhs of rupees, to get an open space parking ahead of taking possession, while getting closed parking by prominent city builders.In some projects, builders have charged for the open parking space in the name of ‘infrastructure’ charges.

The reason behind all these fraud is that according to MahaRERA rules, open parking plots are included in the common areas and, therefore, cannot be sold. However, the builder can sell closed parking.

As confusion prevails on the MahaRERA provisions, some builders are minting money by selling open and closed parking spaces in housing society projects.

Some developers continue to charge buyers for open parking saying that they will close it later, after getting occupancy certificate. The civic body has made it clear that any such temporary or permanent shelters, which are not part of the building sanction plan are illegal and buyers must not pay for such ‘closed’ parkings.

The Development Control (DC) rules, 2017 of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) states that an enclosed or unenclosed, covered or open area sufficient in size to park vehicle. “Parking space shall be served by a driveway connecting them with a street or alley and permitting ingress or egress of vehicles,” the rules state.

A senior civic official said, “There are various options before consumers. Now they can complain to the MahaRERA in the case of new buildings. Residents of existing buildings, who have got occupancy certificates may approach the consumer court, take legal action and even approach the municipal corporation seeking action against the builder”. DC rules of the PMC are available on the civic body’s website and anyone can access the document and check if the builder has made provisions as per the DC rules.

Civic activist Vijay Kumbhar requested citizens to essentially consult experts in such cases and, if required, lawyers before taking final possession. “Parking is a major issue in the city and housing society parking is burning a hole in the pockets of consumers. Despite categorical rules and regulations in place, consumers are deceived,” he said.

Savita Rane, who has bought a new flat on Nagar Road and is waiting for possession, said, “As vigilant citizens we must be aware of all rules and regulations. Instead of blindly believing developers, we must check all provisions on our own. We put our hard earned money to buy the dream home. In city like Pune, it is difficult to get your dream fulfilled without hassles and hiccups.”